Publisher, Health Communications / HCI (September 2005)

Do you look back on the past year and wonder where the time went? As the years pass by, do you find your days are flying faster than ever and your vision of events gone by is beginning to blur? With every holiday season comes new wishes and intents to greet the New Year with open arms and promises to ourselves that we'll live the next year as if it were our last.

This desire to renew, rediscover, and reconnect with those we love (and even those we don't) is tied into the seven special virtues that lie deep inside each and every one of us, but are too easily masked by the chaos of our everyday lives. Christmas is the time to celebrate and nurture these virtues within ourselves, family and friends.

The stories inside this timeless collection illustrate the influence that virtuous living has on our lives and the lives of those around us—especially during a season so full of hope and celebration. Inside you will witness:

The kindness of a woman who stuffs personal goody bags for the men at the homeless shelter

The joy of a reunited friendship

The love that goes into baking a batch of fudge for your neighbors and friends

The gratitude you feel when someone works on Christmas Eve so that you can have the Christmas you've always dreamed of

The faith of a small child that Santa will find him

The simplicity of noticing for the first time the soft glow of the lights from your Christmas tree

The wonder of seeing the world through a child's eyes

About the Authors: Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are the co-creators of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Carol Rehme is a freelance writer who has worked extensively with Chicken Soup for the past few years.